Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the National holidays in 2008?
2. When does British Summer Time begin and end?
3. What are the usual opening times for shops in Brighton & Hove?
4. What time do bars and pubs open and close in the city?
5. When do clubs open and close in the city?
6. What is the normal procedure for Tipping in the city?
7. Can I take my dog on to the beaches in Brighton & Hove?
8. How far is Brighton station from the city centre/beachfront?
9. Do I have to pay to go on to Brighton Pier?
10. Do I need to use my car in the city?

1. What are the National holidays in 2008?
   1 January 2008
   21 March 2008 (Good Friday)
   23 March 2008 (Easter Sunday)
   24 March 2008 (Easter Monday)
   5  May 2008 (May Bank Holiday)
   26 May 2007 (Spring Bank Holiday)
   25 August 2007 (Summer Bank Holiday)
   25 December 2007 (Christmas Day)
   26 December 2007 (Boxing Day)

2. When does British Summer Time begin and end?
   Begins: Sunday 30 March 2008 at 0100
   Ends: Sunday 26 October 2008 at 0100

3. What are the usual opening times for shops in Brighton & Hove?
   09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Saturday, are the usual opening times although some shops will vary their times depending on the nature of the business.  Many shops in Brighton are open from 11.00 on Sundays and close around 17.00.  Late night opening is on a Thursday and applies to the larger high street shops and Churchill Square shopping centre.  In December many of the smaller individual shops stay open late on Thursdays for Christmas shopping.

4. What time do bars and pubs open and close in the city?
   UK standard licensing hours are from 11.00-2300. However, many bars and pubs now have extensions following new licensing laws. Check with individual bars and pubs to find out what time they close, as many now open until midnight or later. In traditional pubs the landlord will call 'time' or last orders half an hour before closing time. This allows 30 minutes to buy a final drink before the pub shuts.

5. When do clubs open and close in the city?
   Opening and closing times are constantly changing depending on the club and the night of the week, so please check our listings in After Dark for details.  

6. What is the normal procedure for Tipping in the city?
   In a restaurant 10% of the total bill is an acceptable tip.  If the service has been excellent then leave up to 15%. A 10% service charge is sometimes added to your bill, especially for groups of more than 6 people.  Check the bill or menu to find out if it has.  You can add your tip to the bill or leave a cash tip on the table or give it to your waiter. If you feel that the service has not been good, mention it to your waiter or waitress or the manager.  It is not usual to tip bar staff. Personal preference will decide whether you tip taxis.  If in doubt, round the fare up to the nearest pound or 50p.  In hotels, guest houses and serviced self-catered apartments it is a good idea to leave any spare coins for cleaning staff at the end of your stay and to tip porters or concierges who have been helpful.

7. Can I take my dog on to the beaches in Brighton & Hove?
   Dogs are not allowed on the central area beaches between May to September.  Dogs are not allowed on Brighton Pier.

8. How far is Brighton station from the city centre/beachfront?
   Just a 10/15 minute walk.

9. Do I have to pay to go on to Brighton Pier?
   No. The Pier is open everyday except Christmas Day.

10. Do I need to use my car in the city?
    Brighton is a compact city with everything within easy walking distance.  City centre parking is limited and if you are driving into the city the easiest option is to park-up for your stay and walk as much as possible while you are here.  Click on to Travelling for more information, and for up to the minute information on car parks, parking available, Park & Ride and road closures click through to the city's transport website www.citytransport.org.uk.